The readings today are about priorities and choices.

In the Gospel, Jesus uses a parable to explain how our response to God’s call is often determined by our priorities. He compares God’s invitation to His chosen people to be a part of His plan of salvation, to that of a master inviting people to a great banquet. The invitees who present excuses – making a conscious choice, because they seem to have other priorities – represent the chosen people who reject God’s invitation! As the parable unfolds, Jesus sends a strong message about how the Kingdom of God will succeed despite the chosen people, because now the invitation is extended to the pagans and Gentiles as well.

In the first reading, Paul presents Jesus’ life as the perfect response to God’s call – Jesus freely and willingly chose to humble Himself and go through His Passion and Death – and in doing so was exalted.

St Martin de Porres, the patron of social justice, whom we honour today accepted the invitation to be a part of God’s plan of salvation to the less fortunate.

We have also been invited to be a part of God’s plan. How have we responded?